The year is flying past at a remarkable pace, and Easter is almost here – the perfect opportunity to indulge in chocolate eggs and spend time with your loved ones.

Whether you want to take the family on a fun–filled African getaway or are in the mood for a sophisticated cultural break in the heart of Germany, South African Airways will fly you there in comfort.

For the sports lovers among us, there are a lot of exciting events to look forward to in 2013. This year’s Cape Cycle Tour kicks off on the 10th of March, so if you’re planning to take on the challenge and work up a sweat at one of the world’s most popular cycle races, remember to familiarise yourself with all the procedures around bicycle transport, registration & collection. You can find out everything you need to know here >>

If you’re a rock or jazz fan, then you might want to read about two very exciting music festivals coming up – book your flights with SAA and we’ll get you to the party on time and in style.

From more legroom to our exciting new codeshare agreements with US Airways and Air Canada, we are all about making your travels more comfortable and convenient.

DESTINATION OF THE MONTH – FRANKFURT

For most visitors to Germany, Frankfurt’s huge showpiece airport is the point of arrival and departure, but – unless their purpose of travel is business rather than pleasure – tourists usually don’t linger in this sprawling economic powerhouse and financial capital.

Despite its reputation as a business destination, Frankfurt–am–Main does offer some excellent shopping opportunities and incredible sightseeing. From its rich collection of museums and the beautifully restored buildings of the Römerberg (the historical core of the city) to its vibrant nightlife and the intriguing restaurants of the Nordend, Frankfurt’s versatility will surprise you.

Frankfurt is also the venue for numerous annual trade fairs and expos, and a natural hub for travellers wishing to explore the surrounding towns and countryside, thanks to its excellent rail connections and Autobahn system.

Why wait?

Book flights to Frankfurt with South African Airways and explore Germany’s business capital.

SHOWCASING AFRICA – ZIMBABWE

Zimbabwe truly is a world of wonders. If you’re looking for adventure, warmth and culture, Zimbabwe is a journey worth taking. You may want to start your adventure in Harare, the capital, to stock up on last minute supplies and enjoy some fine dining and African cuisine.

No Zimbabwe trip is complete without experiencing the breath–taking views of the great Vic Falls. Victoria Falls, also known as The Smoke That Thunders, is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, and offers many activities for you to fill your day.

For the adrenaline junkie there’s bungee jumping, white water rafting and gorge swinging. You can also see the majestic falls from the sky with a helicopter flight that gives you an optimum view of this thundering cascade of water. Elephant rides and lion spotting at sunset add a sense of calm beauty and appreciation for nature's wonders.

MORE LEGROOM FOR LESS

Did you know that most airlines offer 31" of legroom in Economy Class on long–haul international flights? And that they will usually charge an arm and a leg for premium seats that offer more space? Not so with SAA. On board our ultra-modern fleet of Airbus aircrafts, every Economy Class passenger is able to enjoy 34" of legroom!

It may not seem like much, but those extra three inches of additional legroom will make all the difference in the world on a 16–hour flight.

So stretch out, relax, and let SAA take you there.

NEW CODESHARE AGREEMENTS

South African Airways recently made connections from cities across the US and Canada even easier, with new codeshare agreements between SAA and US Airways, as well as Air Canada.

SAA and US Airways announced a new bilateral codeshare agreement through which SAA will receive expanded access to and throughout the United States, along with the convenience of a single–ticket purchase. Similarly, customers travelling on US Airways will gain new access to destinations throughout South Africa and to Dakar, Senegal (subject to US Airways securing approval from Senegalese authorities) with the new codeshare.

SAA’s customers will continue to have the ability to earn and redeem Voyager Miles on these new codeshare flights.

In addition, SAA and Air Canada have announced a codeshare agreement that will make it substantially easier for customers to travel between Canada and South Africa. Effective immediately, customers connecting from one carrier to another in London or New York will be able to book a single itinerary and make seamless connections.

AIRLINK ANNOUNCES KASANE AND VILANCULOS

Airlink will commence scheduled direct services on two new over–border routes, Johannesburg to Kasane (Botswana) and Johannesburg to Vilanculos (Mozambique) from Friday, 22 March 2013.

Kasane

Kasane is close to Africa’s Four Corners, where four countries meet: Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The town lies on the south bank of the wide Chobe River that forms the border with the extreme tip of Namibia’s Caprivi Strip. Nearby, a second border post serves the road into Zimbabwe, which runs 70km east to Victoria Falls. The African Safari experience is a product marketed globally. Botswana, Chobe and Zimbabwe feature a unique wildlife game viewing experience, and the opportunity to extend itineraries to include Victoria Falls, is a unique add–on feature of this route.

The initial schedule will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. From August 2013 the service will operate daily.

Kasane Schedule:

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Departing Johannesburg 11h45,

arriving Kasane 13h25

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Departing Kasane 14h00,

arriving Johannesburg 15h50

Kasane

Vilanculos

Vilanculos, the gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago, is considered the Mozambican capital of water sports. Its popular beach and island resorts offer a wide range of accommodation, from economy to 5–star barefoot luxury. The Bazaruto Archipelago consists of five islands, Bazaruto, Santa Carolina (also known as Paradise Island), Benguerra, Margaruque and Banque.

Starting initially with Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, the schedule will be increased to five flights per week (Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri and Sat) from August 2013.

Vilanculos Schedule:

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Departing Johannesburg 10h30,

arriving Vilanculos 12h45

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Departing Vilanculos 13h30,

arriving Johannesburg 15h45

Vilanculos

PARTICIPATE IN THE GLOBAL PASSENGER SURVEY FOR A CHANCE TO WIN AN APPLE IPAD

This survey will allow passengers to confidentially give customer satisfaction and feedback on their experience with South African Airways, and the information provided will help the airline to analyse passenger opinion to gauge performance and identify opportunities.

We thank for your valuable time and appreciate your input in helping us make our service better for you.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Africa’s Grandest Gathering, the Cape Town International Jazz Festival has grown into a hugely successful international event since its inception in 2000.

The festival has earned the status of being the most prestigious event on the African continent, and its winning formula of more than forty international and local artists performing over two days on five stages is bringing visitors back to the Mother City every year.

Hurricane is a music festival in Scheeßel near Bremen, Germany. Held over three consecutive days in June since 1973, the event is becoming more and more mainstream as time passes by. It is paired with another event, known as the Southside Festival, often said to be the daughter of Hurricane. Southside is staged simultaneously over the same three days in the southernmost part of the country, while Hurricane is held up north.